Automation Engineer
Kerry · Bethlehem, PA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $70k–$109k
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Food & beverage
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Kerry (food & beverage) in Bethlehem, PA. Program, test, and troubleshoot automation equipment to ensure reliable operation and integration with existing systems.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Robotics, Automation
- Base pay
- $70k–$109k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Pennsylvania: typical posted base $86k–$133k. This one lists $70k–$109k.
Median of the low and high ends of 11 live postings that list pay, out of 30 controls engineer openings in Pennsylvania, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Pennsylvania plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 29 other live controls postings in Pennsylvania.
- Base pay
- About 19% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $88k–$133k, from 10 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 73%
- ✓ Automation 73%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 27%
- Root cause 27%
- ✓ Robotics 23%
- Lean 20%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Kerry
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Kerry in Bethlehem
1 other open role at this site.
- Maintenance Technician - 2nd Shift · Reliability · Technician
Full description from KerryAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation systems across manufacturing and operations. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in automation technology, programming, and system integration to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability. This role offers the opportunity to support innovative projects in a fast-paced environment while contributing to the company’s growth and technical advancement.
Key responsibilities
Lead the design and deployment of automation solutions, including PLC, SCADA, HMI, and robotics systems.
Partner with cross-functional teams to assess process needs and develop automation strategies that improve productivity and quality.
Program, test, and troubleshoot automation equipment to ensure reliable operation and integration with existing systems.
Create clear documentation for automation processes, control logic, and system configurations.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Engineers and technicians being able to work on the production floor hand in hand with the Maintenance team.
Perform system validation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance of automation infrastructure.
Monitor emerging automation technologies and recommend solutions that strengthen operational capabilities.
Ensure compliance with safety standards and industry regulations throughout system design and implementation.
Qualifications
and skills
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field or equivalent work experience.
- ✓Typically, 5+ years of industrial automation engineering experience in manufacturing or a similar environment.
- ✓Proficiency with PLC programming, including Allen-Bradley and Siemens, as well as SCADA systems (Siemens WinCC, Ignition, HMI development.
- ✓Strong knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, industrial network protocols such as Ethernet/IP and Modbus, and cybersecurity principles for industrial systems.
- ✓Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve complex technical issues quickly and effectively.
- ✓Proven leadership skills, including experience mentoring team members and managing projects from concept through completion.
- ✓Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. This role is key to advancing automation capabilities while maintaining high standards for safety and quality across operations.
The pay range for this position is $70,100 - $109,050 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 9/30/26
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us deliver better food for a better world.
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About Kerry
Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
